COMMON DECLARATION

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Greetings to you all with the spirit of Christian love and fellowship.

We, Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenians of the Great House of Cilicia, give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for granting us, once again, the opportunity to pray together and to reflect together on issues of common concern, at the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, in Antelias, Lebanon. This is the sixth time that we come together as Heads of Churches, with the members of the Standing Committee we had appointed, within the framework of our fellowship that we initiated in 1998.

At our meeting here in Antelias, we have reaffirmed our unity of faith that, for centuries, has been the basis of our common doctrinal positions and theological teachings. Deeply rooted in the Holy Scripture, the Apostolic Faith and Tradition, the three Ecumenical Councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381 and Ephesus 431) and the teachings of our Church Fathers, our unity has sustained the life and witness of the Churches of the Oriental Orthodox Family and become a living source of spiritual strength and missionary engagement in the midst of the upheavals and vicissitudes of our respective histories. For the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the unity of faith is the basis of eucharistic inter-communion and the manifestation of the visible unity of the church.

The unity of the Church is a gift of God; it must be preserved and deepened. It is also a call and a responsibility; it must be responded to seriously. Hence, our unity of faith must acquire concrete manifestations and touch the life of our people through common witness and joint engagement, particularly in the area of religious and moral education, theological formation and social diakonia.

Our unity of faith must also be shared by other churches, both in the Middle East and in different parts of the world. Indeed, the visible unity of the church is a common Christian goal. It is with this spirit and commitment that our Churches are actively engaged in bilateral theological dialogues and in ecumenical collaboration with many churches, world Communions and regional and global ecumenical structures. The World Council of Churches, as a global ecumenical fellowship, and the Middle East Council of Churches, as a regional ecumenical fellowship, are of particular importance for Our Churches. We will continue our active ecumenical role in these ecumenical structures.

Besides the inter-church collaboration, we consider inter-religious relations and dialogue to be imperative. Being integral to the history, civilizations and cultures of the Middle East, our Churches have been in constant and existential dialogue with Islam. This dialogue of life, based on mutual understanding, trust and respect, must continue with renewed emphasis and broader perspectives, particularly on the level of the people.

The Coptic Orthodox, the Syrian Orthodox and the Armenian Orthodox Churches have played a significant role in all major initiatives, processes and actions in our region leading it to greater justice, peace and prosperity. We cannot remain aloof and indifferent in the face of the prevailing situation in the Middle East.

We believe that the peace process must be reactivated, and that the Palestinian people must have its independent state and the right to return to its homeland. Israel must implement all Resolutions of the U.N. Security Council by withdrawing from the occupied Arab and Palestinian territories, including the Farms of Shabaa in South of Lebanon, Golan Heights and Jerusalem. Only justice will bring about comprehensive, real and permanent peace in the Middle East.

Iraq must regain its independence, integrity and sovereignty. All occupying forces must soon leave Iraq and the nation-building process must start with the participation of all the communities of Iraq.

Our region is at a critical juncture in its history. We must be alert and exercise utmost responsibility in addressing the issues and concerns of the Middle East. We condemn all kinds of threats against the Arab countries and especially attacks on Lebanon and Syria.

We also condemn all forms and expressions of violence in our region and everywhere in the world. Religion, in its proper understanding, is a promoter of love and reconciliation, peace and justice. We urge all those who, for one reason or other, are in conflict to resolve their problems through dialogue and mutual understanding.

We warmly greet the President of the Republic of Lebanon, His Excellency General Emil Lahoud, the Heads of all communities and the people of Lebanon. We give thanks to God that, after a long period of destruction and conflict, Lebanon is now in a promising process of reconstruction and reconciliation. As Spiritual Heads we extend our full support to this process. Indeed, the Christian-Muslim co-existence constitutes the very identity of Lebanon.

As we conclude our Sixth Meeting in Antelias, we appeal to our Churches to remain faithful to the Gospel by living out its values and imperatives in their daily life, and by participating more actively in the life and witness of the church. Our collaboration must continue to give a renewed efficiency and vitality to the witness of our Churches, especially in its educational, moral, theological, diaconal, evangelistic and ecumenical aspects.

The family is a sacred institution established by our Lord Jesus Christ. The sacredness and integrity of Christian family must be preserved. Hence, we condemn all practices and behaviours related to marriage and sexual orientation that are not in accord with the biblical and moral teachings. In view of the emerging trends and challenges that jeopardize the credibility of Christian moral teachings and spiritual values and traditions, we appeal to our people to preserve their Christian identity and keep their faithfulness to the Gospel message.

We also appeal to our communities living in different parts of the world to remain firmly attached to their native lands by supporting all initiatives and actions that promote peace with justice in the Middle East, as well as mutual respect and understanding among religions and nations.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Shenouda III Mar Ignatius Zakka I Aram I Pope of Alexandria Patriarch of Antioch Catholicos of & Patriarch of the and all the East the Great House See of St. Mark of Cilicia

Canonical Armenians in Russia gain victory

In September the authorities in the Russian capital of Moscow made an important decision, which is of key importance for the Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenians in Russia, reinstating the infringed rights of Armenian Church. The decision has partially revised a previous one, passed in October 1996, which allowed the Armenian community of Moscow to build Sourb Khach (Holy Cross) Church. The new decision has some changes, which forbids the cathedral union, known as Sourb Khach, to build the church, passing this right to the Moscow and Nakhichevan Prelate of the Armenian Church, led by Ezras. The decision has taken from Sourb Khach the right to own the land, allotted for construction of the church.

To recap, bishop Tiran Kyuregian, the former head of the Prelate, was defrocked in 2000 by the decision of Catholicos Karekin II. That decision, however, did not smooth away the high tension that was dominating within the community. The former bishop, given back his lay name Gazar, continued presenting himself as the man responsible for construction of the church and therefore claiming for the raised proceeds, by putting into use his connections in the government of Moscow and law-enforcement bodies.

Moreover, under the threats of reprisals, he hindered the work of Ezras. According to informed sources, Kyureghian was above all interested in the raised money, which under the Russian law is exempted from duties and taxes. The revised decision, which puts the responsibility for its implementation on a deputy mayor of Moscow, will certainly chill out Kyureghian`s zeal and restore order and peace in the local Armenian community. It will also help Ezras to raise extra funds to build a cathedral, worthy of Armenians and their Church

Conflicting reports over damage to monuments

The press office of the Armenian Apostolic Church has denied reports by Azerbaijani Trend and Russian Interfax news agencies, which claimed that Allahsukur Pasazade, the spiritual leader of Caucasian Muslims, resident in Baku, had sent a letter to Catholicos Karekin II, asking him "to undertake measures to stop destruction of historical and cultural monuments located in Azerbaijani territories now occupied by Armenian forces of Nagorno Karabagh."

The Armenian Church said the Pasazade's letter was actually a response to an earlier letter sent by Catholicos Karekin in which he had called on the Muslim spiritual leader to use his authority and request Azeri authorities to halt the demolition of Armenian cultural and historical monuments, particularly katchkars, in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan.

In his reply Pasazade claims that Armenian monuments in Nakhichevan, which bear inscriptions in Armenian, belong to the Christian culture of Caucasian Albania and cites as a counterargument the alleged demolition of 'hundreds' of Azeri monuments in Nagorno- Karabagh and adjacent regions. However, Archbishop Pargev Martirosian, head of the Karabagh Diocese, said that no monuments were destroyed in Karabagh and the neighbouring regions after the cease-fire.

Catholicos Aram calls for dialogue

The moderator of the World Council of Churches' (WCC) Central Committee, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, has called for "dialogue, relations and collaboration with other religions" to have a "high priority" in the Council's ecumenical witness. Speaking during a week-long Central Committee meeting in Geneva, he argued that the WCC should become an "efficient instrument of networking and advocacy" on issues of inter-religious concern, strengthening and supporting inter-religious dialogue at global, regional and national levels. However, this dialogue must have "its own integrity, agenda and methodology," and should not be a last resort in emergency situations.

In his report Catholicos Aram spoke of the ambivalent role played by religion in today's world. "In a society torn apart by brokenness and hopelessness, people are looking for hope and meaning in religion." However, he added, "In some countries, religion is exploited for political ends, and in others it is used to advocate false ideologies and perpetuate unjust structures." He also spoke of the new challenges of globalisation, which is "drawing people together irrespective of religion, race or culture," and said, "In the 'global village', we must all live together."

Arguing for "a culture of mutual trust", he went on to say that while religion provides a profound sense of identity and belonging, an exclusive self-understanding can also lead to isolationism, hatred and violence. "More and more, globalisation will create a profound crisis of identity. The only force strong enough to stand up to this threat and protect identity is religion. Through dialogue, people of faith must come to see their identity within one household of God and as part of one common identity in God."

Acknowledging the difficulties of setting acceptable boundaries of dialogue, Catholicos Aram stressed that dialogue is more than simply exchanging views. Rather, it is "the experience of living together, reflecting together and working together." As such, dialogue must be contextualised, since different churches are faced with different issues; each situation has its own agenda.

However, dialogue does not compromise the faith of believers. "The aim of dialogue is not negotiation; its aim is mutual empowerment and deepening mutual trust," said Catholicos Aram. Dialogue is "the only way for religions to become pro-active," to articulate "their common voice," and to "participate actively in the transformation of society." There is no alternative to a dialogue that challenges all religions "to go beyond their institutional and dogmatic boundaries," he affirmed. A proper theological perspective is vital. Rather than believing that all religions outside Christ are devoid of truth, we should accept that "Religious plurality is God's gift." As such, "An inclusive understanding of God's salvific act will lead the church to consider other religions as part of God's plan of salvation and not as mere 'mission fields'."

In his book, Orthodox Perspectives on Mission, Catholicos Aram has written that the implication for missionary strategy is that, particularly in pluralistic environments, it is inappropriate to attempt to add new members. Instead, "we should seek to identify the 'Christic values in other religions', and 'awaken the Christ who sleeps in the night of the religions'," quoting the Orthodox theologian Georges Khodr, metropolitan of Mount Lebanon.

According to the WCC moderator, inter-religious collaboration is "indispensable" in three areas. Religious education must be re-shaped to become "relevant and contextual", geared towards building pluralistic communities; religions must act as agents of healing and reconciliation, helping each other to defuse conflicts in situations of ethnic and political tension; and religions must move towards an active prophetic role, "engaging in spiritual combat against evil forces" - for example religious fundamentalism - "the greatest enemy of religion and the most dangerous force of our times."

Recognising that "most of our churches are unprepared to engage in inter-religious dialogue," Catholicos Aram advocated the role of the Council in resourcing them to give guidance to their members. "Let us, as Christians, engage ourselves with people of living faiths in this journey of discovery and rediscovery of our common roots, common truths and common calling," he concluded.

Eritrean Orthodox Church becomes a Member of WCC

On 29 August, the Central Committee of the WCC decided to accept the Orthodox Church of Eritrea as a member of the World Council of Churches.

The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church has two million believers in 1,500 local congregations served by 15,000 clergy. Over 3,000 other full-time workers serve the traditional church schools at every church and monastery, in agricultural development projects and other activities. The Church has its own theological formation and is building a full-fledged modern theological college. The number of students currently preparing for the priesthood is 1,140. Women are enabled to participate in all aspects of the life of the church except priesthood. They are active in monastic life and are freely allowed to acquire traditional and theological education in the church.

The Holy Synod of the Eritrean expressed its agreement with the basis of the as long ago as October 1999 and confirmed this by a further resolution on 5 June 2003. The Church also expresses agreement with the proposed new theological criteria for WCC membership. In the current socio-political and economic situation of Eritrea and Africa, the Church sees as priorities of its mission the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the eradication of disease, hunger and ignorance. It is also a member of the All Africa Conference of Churches and as one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches also participates in dialogue with Christian churches of various confessions.

Ethiopian Patriarch supports Child Immunisation

Abuna Paulos, Patriarch of Ethiopia's 25 million strong Orthodox Church has thrown his weight behind a countrywide campaign to boost child immunisation.

The Patriarch urged his clergy to provide teaching on the importance of vaccinations against preventable childhood killers.

His rallying call came at the launch of a campaign by the United Nations and the health ministry to boost immunisations in the country.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 350,000 Ethiopian children die annually from preventable diseases. Just half of children receive life-saving vaccines.The UN says that children are dying because parents are unaware about diseases and they have littleknowledge about how to combat childhood killers.

Abdelmajid Tibouti, deputy head of the UN's Children's Fund (UNICEF), said the Ethiopian church can play a key role in reaching communities. "There is a growing body of scientific evidence that early childhood care is pivotal to how a child grows and develops from birth to up to the eighth year," he said. "Proper care can greatly influence a child's continued learning and psychosocial development in later years."

"Creating such conditions is not a question of charity, but a right for all children," he added. "All children must be immunised with the full range of vaccines that are now available to prevent major childhood diseases, which unnecessarily kill and cripple the children of Ethiopia."

Turkey Obstructs Armenian Patriarch's Visit to Van

At the beginning of October, airport officials in Turkey stopped the country's Armenian Patriarch, His Beatitude Mesrob II, from boarding a plane to Van to attend a pilgrimage dedicated to the millenary celebrations marking the death of Saint Gregory of Narek in 1003, not long after the saint completed his prayer book called "Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart."

A travel agency had been hired to organize arrangements for the large group of local and international travelers attending the pilgrimage, and the Patriarch's booking was confirmed with a Turkish Airline. As a result, appointments between the Patriarch and the governor and officials of Van had also been confirmed.

Arriving at the Yeshil village airport, the Patriarch was told that there were no seats for him on the flight to Van; he was later told that he could sit in the 27th row. The Patriarch, donning official vestments, refused the offer, saying that he would be filing an official compliant with appropriate government officials. "You can complain where you like, but we have no information concerning your travel," he was told, and was offered a seat on a later flight to Van, by way of Ankara, and informed he needed to purchase a new ticket. He declined, and angrily left the airport, knowing that he would miss the pilgrimage.

A similar problem occurred in 2001 when the Patriarchate organised a pilgrimage to the same region. Bureaucrats "unofficially" suggested to the Patriarchate that a pilgrimage by the Armenian Patriarch to the region was perhaps "untimely". The pilgrimage had to be cancelled.

Syrian Patriarch visits Bahrain

The Silver Jubilee festivities of St. Peter's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Salmaniya, Bahrain, began on 12 December 2003 with the visit of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch. The Patriarch, who last visited Bahrain in Matrch 1989, celebrated the first Holy Mass at the Indian School auditorium in Isa Town. His Holiness reminded the congregation that strong faith and belief in God only can remove hatred and fear from people's hearts and that the rôle of religion is very important in the rapidly changing modern world. "What we need is a renewal, that is, devotion to God, love toward fellow-beings, and respect of moral values. We have to work together bravely for the renewal and for a new and peaceful world devoid of enmity and hatred."

The Patriarch expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad, who has granted freedom to all people to worship God according to their faith and he urged his people to work hard for the progress and prosperity of Bahrain. "We are living in a world of chaos. Lack of love and mutual trust are creating hatred and fear, which can be removed only with strong faith and belief in God."

Islamic Affairs Under-Secretary, Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who was the chief guest at the reception ceremony, said the visit of the Patriarch helped renew the common bond of brotherhood, which unites Muslims and Christians. "The divine revelations given through the messengers of both religions help people attain happiness and eternal salvation," he said.

New Indian Metropolitan

On 29 September 2003, Ramaban Kuriakose (Rev. Dr.Saji Varghese) was ordained as Metropolitan Mor Theophilus, by His Beatitude the Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I, assisted by eight Metropolitans, at the patriarchal Centre Chapel, Puthenkuriz. The new Metropolitan, who was born on 1 February 1966 into the Kodikuthiyil family, has a distinguished academic record. He took his BA in Political Science from St. Peter's College at Kolenchery, B.Th. from the MSOT Seminary at Udayagiri, his B.D. from the United Theological College at Bangalore, a Master's degree in German and Latin from the Ostkirchliches Institute in Germany and his Doctorate in Theology from the Catholic faculty of the University of Regensburg in Germany. He now will serve as the resident Metropolitan of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary at Udayagiri, Mulanthuruthy,

Turkish intellectuals discuss Armenian Genocide

Tuday, a Turkish-German human rights protection organization, recently announced an initiative, called 'History for Peace'. Around 300 notable Turkish intellectuals called on the Turkish education ministry to annul a directive of 14 April 2003 which stipulated that educational institutions distort historical facts in school books and education programmes. It required that teachers actually create a new subject, which would facilitate the rejection of demands relating to genocide claims by the Christian inhabitants of the Ottoman Empire, such as Armenians, Pontiac Greeks and Orthodox Syrians. Teachers of secondary schools were to undergo training to become agents of the notorious Turkish 'Rejectionist policy'.

The declaration by Tuday states, "As citizens and parents we are deeply concerned about the ministry of education's new guidelines which introduce changes in history curricula and textbooks. Any one-sided point of view, regardless of thoughts and goals behind it, should not determine a country's educational policy, particularly when the latter has the potential of provoking a political conflict. We want our children to be taught in accordance with international directives that are binding on the instruction of controversial and explosive topics in schools … to be brought up in a spirit of respect and tolerance to others, of agreement between nations and ethnic groups, of mutual understanding and trust."

Church-State relations in Armenia

The Armenian Prime Minister, Andranik Markarian, assured the hierarchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church that his government will continue to increase its "role and significance" in the nation's life.

Speaking at Holy Etchmiadzin during a regular meeting chaired by Catholicos Karekin II, he stated that it was planned to create a separate government department to coordinate church-state relations. He urged them to rally Armenians around their ancient church and thereby thwart the spread of non-traditional religious groups which he described as "alien to the Armenian national character." However, he also made it clear that the state will not use its power to suppress or persecute sects which operate in accordance with Armenian law. "The state can not enter into theological debates as that is the business of the church and religious organizations. Our task is to create a situation in which both human rights and the interests of the state and the nation will be fully protected."

Some observers suggest a softening of Markarian's opposition to activities of various sects. Last year he threatened to get tougher on them even at the risk of jeopardizing Armenia's membership in the Council of Europe. But he assured Council officials recently that Yerevan will respect its membership obligations on religious freedom. The Council has been pressing the Armenian authorities to legalize one such group, the Jehovah's Witnesses, which has been denied official registration over its opposition to compulsory military service. The problem is likely to be solved after the passage of an Armenian law on alternative service for male citizens later this year.

Meanwhile, the Armenian government is finding itself at the centre of an intensifying controversy over its recent decision to hand over a building in central Yerevan, which houses two research institutes of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences, to the Armenian Church free of charge. The Catholicos wants to construct a new official residence there. Employees of the two institutes marched towards the government building in protest against the move. They argue, among other things, that their building has a historical value because it served as the head office of the Academy when it was set up by the Soviet Armenian government in 1943.

Representatives of the protesters were received by the chief of the government staff, Manuk Topuzian. They said he assured them that plans for the handover of the property have not yet been confirmed by President Robert Kocharian as the authorities continue to weigh up the situation. Some government officials openly express their opposition to the church takeover. "In my opinion, that building should not be given away," Deputy Minister of Science and Education, Ara Avetisian, is quoted as saying. But Yerevan's Mayor, Yervand Zakharian, explained that the building is in a seismically dangerous condition and will eventually have to be demolished anyway.

However, the Academy building was only constructed in 1938 on the site of a mediaeval monastery destroyed by the Communist régime. Providentially one of the chapels survived, hidden behind the new building. St. Astvatsatsin Church, which continues to bear the name of St. Katoghiké, is so small (5.4 x 7.5 m) it now serves only as a chapel but it is the oldest surviving church in Yerevan. Until its demolition it was believed to have been built after a major earthquake in 1695 but old khatchkars were found in the walls, the earliest dating from 1264, proving its antiquity.

Abba Seraphim responds to Istanbul atrocities

Following the terrorist attacks on Istanbul, Abba Seraphim wrote to the Armenian Patriarch, Mesrob II, stating:

"We have been following the recent atrocities in Istanbul and hold everyone who loves peace and harmonious co-existence in our fervent prayers. It must be a very difficult time for everyone and we share your deep pain and sorrow.

I know our British Orthodox people will be so grateful to you for your prompt response to all these atrocities: your compassionate and fraternal visit to the Chief Rabbi after the bombing of the Istanbul mosques and your uncompromising condemnation of acts of murder which are all totally consistent with the compassionate, tolerant and morally scrupulous position of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul.

In accordance with true Christian principles our concern and compassion shows no limit imposed by religious creed or nationality, but grieves for all who suffer. However, as subjects of the British crown we deeply appreciate the fraternal and loving sympathy of the Armenian Patriarchate expressed for those British victims of these outrages. We unite with Your Beatitude and your flock in prayers for all the deceased, those who have suffered injury, as well as the friends and relations of all who have been made victims.

We sincerely thank Your Beatitude, in your capacity as the representative in Turkey of all Oriental Orthodox Christians, for your honourable and courageous opposition to these wicked actions and we pray that the Lord will grant peace and protection to all men of goodwill in your historic city."

Anglican Oriental Orthodox International Commission

The meeting of the Anglican Oriental Orthodox International Commission, which was to have taken place at Walsingham from Tuesday 28 October to Sunday 2 November 2003, has been postponed at the suggestion of the Heads of the Coptic Orthodox Church (His Holiness Pope Shenouda III), the Syrian Orthodox Church (His Holiness Patriarch Zakka I) and the Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholicosate of Cilicia (His Holiness Catholicos Aram I), who met in Antelias, Lebanon, on 17 and 18 October 2003.

The present time is clearly a moment of uncertainty in the life of the Anglican Communion, with the consecration of a homosexual person in a committed, same-sex relationship as a Bishop within the Episcopal Church (USA). The developments facing the Communion were addressed in the Statement of the Primates of the Anglican Communion who met together with the Moderators of the United Churches at Lambeth Palace, London, on 15 and 16 October, to consider their reactions and the way forward for the Communion. In the light of that meeting, the Archbishop of Canterbury has set up a Commission which will look at the future structures of the Communion in the light of decisions taken in the Episcopal Church (USA) and in the Anglican Church of Canada.

It was felt by the Heads of the Oriental Churches who met in Antelias, that the on-going dialogue between the Anglicans and the family of Oriental Churches would be better served by waiting, at present, for the Anglican Communion to have time to take proper account of, and reflect upon, the consecration which has taken place. It is very much hoped by all participants that the work of the Commission will be resumed at a time convenient to all.

The Commission, which has been in existence since 2002 and which built on a long-standing history of dialogue and co-operation, has already produced an Agreed Statement on Christology. The Statement is currently being considered by the member churches of the Anglican Communion and the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Commission plans to undertake work on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit in its next round of talks, and asks for prayers for the future of Anglican-Oriental Orthodox dialogue at this present time.

Catholicos Karekin in Moscow

The Supreme Catholicos of All Armenian, Karekin II arrived in Moscow on 26 November as part of the quadripartite meeting of the Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow with spiritual leaders of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. Patriarch Alexis and Catholicos Karekin voiced their concerns over the activity of international terrorists, and especially the recent terrorist outrages in Turkey.

Russian Archbishop Clemens, who attended the meeting, said the sides had qualified the acts of terror as challenges to all Christians and said that the acute problems of our times required much greater communications between different churches, including joint attempts to rebuff international terrorism. They also spoke about the position of Armenian parishes and Armenian communities across the world and discussed the problems of the Armenian diocese in Moscow. Catholicos Karekin observed that "Russian-Armenian relations have history of centuries, being consistent and strong in all times."

Following their consultations, the religious leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia issued a joint address to their countries, which summarised the main principles for peaceful settlement of conflicts in the Caucasus. "Abkhazia, Karabakh, Chechnia, South Osetia are still the bleeding wounds of our peoples. Terrorists, extremists and political radicals are trying to use national and religious differences to ground their goals that are alien to genuine religion," the document says. Politicians were called upon to convey a renewed impulse to the dialogue, directed at settlement of all differences hampering lasting peace in the Caucasus.

During the visit Catholicos Karekin II met with the president of North Ossetia, Alexander Chasokhjov, after which a Devine Liturgy was held at the Vladikavkaz's Armenian church where the Armenian Patriarch prayed for the well being of all nations of the Caucasus. During the 160 years since the church was built, the Catholicos observed, the doors of the church had never been closed to believers, proving the respect and friendly attitude of local people towards Armenians.

Iraq to return Confiscated Christian Property

According to Decision 87 of Iraq's Governing Council, approved on 5 November, all religious schools and houses of worship previously confiscated by the Baathist régime will be returned to their owners. This will include all Christian schools and churches.

Under Saddam Hussein, the government abolished free schools in May 1974. The confiscation of properties occurred in March 1975. At that time there were eighty schools and colleges in existence, including thirty-four Christian institutions. According to the Vatican, fifteen schools and colleges will be returned to the Chaldean Catholic Church.

Christians and Moslems will be given freedom to manage their own educational resources, according to this decision in which it is stated that "all decisions, laws and rules leading to the confiscation, closure, incorporation and annulling of the power to run colleges, mosques, institutes and schools" will be passed to the legitimate owners of these institutions.

The decision will be incorporated into the new Iraqi Constitution and will guarantee the freedom to teach and run schools autonomously.

This will also include a full curriculum in Syriac language, modelled after the successful program in existence in northern Iraq since 1994.

Ethiopian Synod denounces Abortion as inhuman

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church recently declared any act of abortion as "impious" and denounced the current pressure on the government to make abortion legal. His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, said that abortion was sacrilegious as humanity began from the foetus. "Abortion is inhuman and anti-religious because it is an act of trespassing the laws of providence in creation in which parents serve the means of God's Will," he said.

Saying that the movement to legalize abortion only emanated from selfish and capricious motives, His Holiness stated that abortion was a contravention of the divine command "Thou shalt not Kill." Copies of the declaration on abortion issued by the Holy Synod were sent to the President, the Prime Minister and the House of Peoples' Representatives.

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